Bulb Foliage

Bulb Foliage

Wouldn’t It just be easier and neater to cut down fading bulb foliage?

You might think so, but don’t do it. The reason is that after the bulbs bloom, the leaves need to work using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to photosynthesize and produce the energy the bulbs will need to bloom next year. If you cut off the foliage to soon, the bulbs won’t have the time to store enough of the necessary energy and you’ll get leaves but few flowers next year. It is best to wait until the leaves yellow completely before you cut the bulb foliage.

Solutions

Daylilies – The plant leaves will start growing when the bulbs are flowering, as the flowers fade, the daylily leaves will grow tall enough to hide your tallest tulip.

Hostas – The hostas broad leaves are great for covering foliage. The leaves can grow 11/2 feet long.

Ferns & Tulips – Tulips and ferns in the garden are a great combination. Plant tulips around the ferns. Once the tulip blooms and the blossom is done, the rest of the tulip will be covered up by the growing ferns.